Final answer:
A power outage occurs when there is an interruption in the electrical power supply, which may be caused by a short circuit or overloaded wiring issues, preventing the flow of electricity and ceasing the function of electrical devices.
Step-by-step explanation:
A power outage occurs when the electrical power supply drops, making all electrical equipment cease functioning. This can happen due to various reasons, such as a break in the connection between the power generator and the device, resulting in no electrons flowing through the wires to produce an electrical current.
Another possible cause is a short circuit, which is an undesired low-resistance path across a voltage source, potentially leading to rapid thermal power generation that can result in the melting or burning of electrical components. Furthermore, if electrical wires supplying power to an appliance are overloaded, meaning the current flowing exceeds the rated maximum, this can also cause the wires to overheat and can lead to a power outage.